Harman Kardon HK-2370,TD 4200

HK-2370 Receiver: A remarkable transformation occurred in the phono preamp; LPs now sound completely different—fuller sound (Sandra, Dire Straits), more distinct instruments (Fermata, Mother Focus), better imaging (even with symphonic ensembles like Rachmaninoff, Brahms, Stravinsky…), and added nuances in vocalists’ voices (Sade).

2. The amplifier itself is faster; there is more high-end detail, the bass is quicker and more precise, the soundstage has opened up, and vocal timbres are more pronounced.

3. The amplifier runs hotter.

TD-4200 Tape Deck

Perfect (!!); a further improvement to the deck (!). It records onto Normal, CrO2, and Metal tapes with no audible difference compared to the original source.

The biggest surprise was the recordings on Normal and CrO2 tapes, where the dynamics (The Shadows CD, Sandra 1993 LP reissue) were outstanding.

The deck jumped from the “consumer electronics” level of 1991/92 to something approaching “entry-level high-end” by 2019 standards.

After Mr. Janečka’s work, I’m no longer afraid to record jazz onto cassette (Romano Mussolini Italian jazz 1994, La Locomotora Negra Spanish jazz 1988) without losing any of the music’s essence—something I wouldn’t have dared to do 30 years ago, when the jazz ensemble would simply “fall apart” and ruin the recording… (and the listening experience).

In summary: after 25 years, my two units underwent a major upgrade by the “analog sound wizard” from Brezno—with excellent results!